About the book

The word "luxury" has almost lost its meaning. Once used to describe genuinely prestigious products or places, the concept of luxury has been hijacked by a multitude of aspiring or overpriced commodities, from foot spas to chocolates. So what is real luxury? Which are the genuine luxury brands, and how have they reacted to the rise of the "mass luxury" sector? What strategies do they use to lift themselves into the realm of the truly elite? Who are their customers - and what kind of lives do these remarkable people lead? How do luxury brands attract and retain them? And above all, where can the industry turn now excess is out of fashion?

With wit, accuracy and insatiable curiosity,Luxury World takes us on a voyage around the luxury universe, slipping behind the facades of the world's most sophisticated businesses to demonstrate how they function. Among other destinations, Luxury World visits Swiss watchmakers, the Champagne houses of France, the diamond district of Antwerp, the luxury enclave of Monte Carlo, the discreet ateliers of the last craftsmen and a host of brands in Paris - the self-proclaimed capital of elegance. Along the way, he uncovers the true face of today's luxury industry.

About the authors

Mark Tungate

Mark Tungate is a British journalist based in Paris. He is the author of several books about branding and marketing, including The Escape Industry, Fashion Brands and Adland. His articles have appeared in publications ranging from Campaign and Advertising Age to the Financial Times and The Daily Telegraph. He is a regular contributor to the ad industry intelligence site AdForum. Alongside his writing, Mark Tungate is editorial director of the Epica Awards, an annual competition in which journalists who are specialists in their field celebrate excellence in design, advertising, PR and branded content. He has lectured on advertising and branding at universities and conferences around the world.

Reviews

Natalina Zlatevska, Assistant Professor, Bond University Australia

He clearly illustrates that luxury transcends categories, even in areas where non-consumption activist movements shun excessive consumption and promote simple living (chapter 20). In fact, there is very little in daily life that does not have the capacity of being exposed to the draw of luxury, from food (chapter 16) and drink (chapters 14 and 15) to domestic help (chapter 19).

Tom Ford

A valuable portrait of the sector at a watershed moment: Luxury isnt going out of style it just needs to change its style.

He clearly illustrates that luxury transcends categories, even in areas where non-consumption activist movements shun excessive consumption and promote simple living (chapter 20). In fact, there is very little in daily life that does not have the capacity of being exposed to the draw of luxury, from food (chapter 16) and drink (chapters 14 and 15) to domestic help (chapter 19).